TDF Intra-Stage recovery

"The 33"-Road Bike RacingWe set this forum up for our members to discuss their experiences in either pro or amateur racing, whether they are the big races, or even the small backyard races. Don't forget to update all the members with your own race results.

Lots of fluid, carbs and massage. I think the riders get as much sleep as possible. Two days after he broke his collarbone Tyler stated in his journal that he had slept for 12 hours the previous evening.

I am not a racer, but I have been following the grand tours long enough to have picked up some of this stuff. Obviously, there are differences, rider to rider, team to team, but there are some universals and there are demands on a rider's time by the press, etc.

1. Recovery starts during the race. As Paul Sherwyn put it the other day, riders must eat and drink constantly during a stage, not only for that day, but for the next day and the day after. If you get behind nutritionally, it is difficult, if not impossible to really catch up.

2. Upon finishing a stage, the riders immediately start consuming a previously determined amount of protein, mineral, electrolyte and carbohydrate replacement. There is a 30-35 minute window in which the body and depleted muscles are at maximum efficiency for assimilating glycogen replacement and protein for rebuilding.

3. OFF the feet as much as possible - don't walk if you can stand still. Don't stand if you can sit. Don't sit if you can lie down.

4. Sleep as much as you can.

5. Massages are good for tired muscles, but 1 through 4 are absolute necessities.

Other things may vary, but these are pretty much universal.
FWIW,
Raymond